The Cloud Industry Forum (CIF), of which DMH Stallard currently chairs the code governance board, has announced the formation of a new group to address legal concerns in the cloud computing market. With new regulations and laws across the globe lacking coordination when it comes to cloud, CIF aims to offer a legal framework to benefit the industry.
The new division has been named the Cloud Industry Legal Forum
(CILF). The first task being taken on by CILF is the examination of
the latest EU data protection proposals and it has just filed a
response to the Ministry of Justice's call for evidence.
Andy Burton, Chair of CIF and CEO of Fasthosts, stated: "The
irony surrounding the coming-of-age of Cloud Services is that it is
not, as so many often comment, the advent of new technology that is
so compelling and valuable to the market; rather, it is the
agility, scalability and almost utility basis of supply that is
transforming IT procurement and challenging the way IT is
purchased, provisioned and maintained. Cloud, by nature, is
creating a greater sense of capability and collaboration, which
can, if not checked, drive contractual and operational ambiguity.
This is further exaggerated by the diversity introduced in the
supply chain that cloud enables from self service, to partner led
via Systems Integrators, Technical VARs and Managed Service
Providers through to resale, distribution and brokerage models.
Clarity on the services delivered and accountability and
responsibility of the parties involved in delivering them is
key."
The legal sub group itself will focus on all aspects of cloud
computing law, working to reduce the fear, uncertainty and doubt,
which act as barriers to the adoption of cloud computing services.
This will include cloud service types, data protection issues,
software licensing in the cloud, service definitions and levels,
liability, procurement, applicable law, customer data and the
future of cloud law encompassing both the UK and the EU.
Frank Jennings, Chair of CIF's code governance board,
stated "Cloud computing is revolutionising IT and the Cloud
Industry Legal Forum will ensure that the cloud sector is aware of
the legal issues that affect them and will ensure their voice is
heard by government in the creation of relevant laws."
Anyone interested in joining the Group should contact Breda
O'Shea at Breda@cloudindustryforum.org
Other founding members of CILF include: Hogan Lovells, Bird &
Bird, Eversheds, and Wragge & Co.
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